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Join hundreds of college access professionals, educators, counselors, and administrators from a dozen western states at the 13th annual GEAR UP West conference, Igniting Opportunities. Explore themes including student support, financial aid, family engagement and more.

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better."

This is freshman Chris Minish talking about his sense of anticipation for his first year at UW Tacoma.

Chris has come a long way from his time in high school, where he struggled with depression and suffered anxiety attacks.

Born in Olympia, he grew up in Shelton, Wash., living with his mother and older sister. His parents were divorced, and at 15 he and his sister went to live with their dad. When it became clear that he was not thriving in a traditional high school environment, a school guidance counselor suggested he look into an alternative.